MAY 16 • 2024 | 15

governmental regulations for 
technology companies and 
social media platforms and 
verifying information before 
passing it on can help truth 
triumph over lies.
“People are going to have 
to be even more savvy in this 
election year to make sure 
what they’re reading is true,” 
said Diem. “There are people 
who are intending to do harm 
and we need to outsmart 
them by knowing what to 
look for and how to validate 
information.”
Normandin emphasized the 
need to hold digital platforms 
accountable for the content on 
their sites.
“We must ask Congress 
to set guidelines,” she said, 
adding that regulations exist 
for most other industries, 
including manufacturing, 
air travel, broadcasting and 

banking. “We give phones – 
with unconstrained platforms 
like TikTok and Instagram 
– to young people. We must 
insist these companies take 
responsibility and we must 
hold ourselves accountable 
and ensure we are seeking the 
full story.”
Because it is easier to teach 
children responsible media 
consumption before they 
develop bad habits, Bean 
intends to keep working with 
lawmakers to pass legislation 
mandating media literacy 
education in all public 
schools.
“Everyone has the ability 
to send out good or bad 
info,” says Bean. “Do you 
want to be a steward of good 
information or do you want to 
promote propaganda? We’re 
at a crossroads. You have to 
decide.” 

Who to call 
when you 
don’t know 
who to call.

During challenging times, the Detroit Jewish 

community is here to help. Managed by 

Jewish Family Service (JFS), Jhelp is staffed by 

knowledgeable professionals ready to guide 

you to the Jewish Detroit resources you need.

Teen & Adult Mental Health Support • Financial Help 

Older Adult Services • Caregiving • And So Much More

Supported through the generosity of The Jewish Fund 
 and the D. Dan and Betty Kahn Family Foundation.

You can also chat 
with us online at 
Jhelp.org.

It’s FREE. It’s confidential. 
It’s here for you. 

Call 1-248-592-2650

Maya 
Siegmann 
didn’t want a 
traditional college experience; 
she considered 4-year schools 
but instead opted to follow in her 
brother’s footsteps at OCC. She 
appreciated how easily credits 
from OCC transfer to other 
schools and loved the flexibility 
of online courses combined with 
intimate in-person learning 

Rewarding careers start at OCC. 
Visit oaklandcc.edu/getstarted

Start Your 
College 
Journey 
at OCC

Discover how OCC 
empowered Maya Siegmann 
to pursue her dream of 
helping teens.

OAKLAND COMMUNITY COLLEGE

OAKLAND COMMUNITY COLLEGE
oaklandcc.edu/admissions

SPONSORED BY OAKLAND COMMUNITY COLLEGE

opportunities. Now Maya is well 
on her way to becoming a middle 
school counselor and making her 
someday a reality.